Topic: Anybody else on here with an SL350?

[Super Sport 550]

I just bought a '72 Honda SL350. It is the K2 with the aluminum fenders and the green paint. It is all original, but in lousy shape. It appears to have been underwater for some time. It has a distinct waterline on it. It was stuck when I got it, but I got it unstuck and running. It runs pretty well. No smoke and no weird engine noises.

I've always thought the SL series were great bikes. Never had one of these 350s before. Is this really the same engine as is in the CB/CL 350s? It doesn't look quite the same, but I guess it could be the same, just without the starter.

[Raul CB750K1]

I'm in the process of restoring a CB350K4 (1972) and, according to the parts manual, everythings is mostly the same except some body parts. The front fender didn't have braces, but I thought it was chrome, not aluminium.

Can you post some pictures?


Raul

[Super Sport 550]

I can post some, but I don't know how to post photos on this forum.

I am fairly certain that there is more difference than that, but I don't really know.  This bike has a lot more shock travel than a CL or CB, among other things. It also seems to be pretty well beefed up in the suspension department, and the frame is kind of curved so that the bars mount kind of high up compared to a CB or CL.

I'll try and figure out how to post photos and get a few. It looks like junk, though. It really was underwater for a while (we're talking years here).

[Raul CB750K1]

You need to reduce the photos to about 100 kb. When posting, click "additional options", and then select your pictures.

The SL had different fork covers, with gaitors, and the handlebar was higher and had a crossbar to add strenght. The pipes were higher and for that reason the left sidecover was different too. Different was the tank and the mudguards, but I believe the rest is pretty much the same. If you want to know some specific part I can check it out, but if you get a parts manual that will be much better. I've been buying parts from CB250 (european model) and CL350 and haven't found yet any difference. Passenger footpegs were different too, at least the left one. I recall that the rear blinkers were atttached on the brake light bracket instead of the frame, but I'm not positive.


Raul

[bill440cars]

          Guys, I did some checking because I thought the frame and the forks were different and according to part numbers, they are different. I checked out the SL350 when it came out. I thought it was a tough bike and it is. Also, the 70' had electric start for sure.After that I believe it was dropped.
I didn't remember the year for sure and so I got all my p/n and electric starter info from crotchrocket,com and for the record, the differences between the CB/CL and the SL were more than cosmetic. I had one so long ago that I don't even remember what year it was, except that it didn't have an electric starter.             Later on, Bill

[cb650]

Always liked the look more than the cl.  More like a real dirt bike.  My 350/360 manual had pics or one in it.



                        Terry

[Super Sport 550]

Yeah, it definitely looks tougher than a CL. I never quite "got" the CL. Always wondered why they made a "streetbike with high pipes." Then again, I know several people who love the CL. I guess it's just a matter of personal preference.

I've noticed lots of differences between this bike and the CL350 I worked on a while back. For example, the clamps that hold the front axle in on the CL had two bolts per side, whereas the SL has four per side. The gears are much lower than the CL, and there is a "redline" on the speedometer above 60 mph. The swingarm is made of thicker steel than the CL. The rear brake is cable operated (I thought that was pretty odd - never saw a rear brake actuated that way). The front brake is a dual leading shoe, apparently of the same design as the CL, but I can't tell if they are the same size. The CL had CV carbs, the SL has slide carbs (coincidentally made from the same casting as the 100cc version).

I am still working on getting the pics, should have them soon.

[gene03079]

The SL350's are a blast to ride. I had a 71 for a bit. I am looking for another. I have a lead on one in a box.

I picked up a SL175 a few weeks ago. Just got it running over the weekend. Much smaller than the 650 but just a lot of fun to ride.

[Raul CB750K1]

You are right, I was thinking about the CL and not the SL. SL is very different from the other two, sharing just the engine but without electric starter and some other modifications. CL and CB are pretty much the same, and according to the Glenn manual, "just different pipes" though you know there are some things more.

Raul

[bill440cars]

You are right, I was thinking about the CL and not the SL. SL is very different from the other two, sharing just the engine but without electric starter and some other modifications. CL and CB are pretty much the same, and according to the Glenn manual, "just different pipes" though you know there are some things more.

Raul

                Yes, they are very different but, one thing to remember is that the 1st year model did have the electric starter. I've often wondered why they did it that way but, anyway. And, as previously stated, they were quite a ride. I had a 71' myself and it was a pretty powerful bike.

                                                      Later on, Bill

[Wingmonk]

Wow, a blast from the past. I rode the SL series for years and I had four of them. I always loved the 71 as it had the 19" front wheel and looked cooler than the others. The later ones came out with a 21" and in my opinion looked odd.

The differences were many between the CL, CB, and the SL. First, the SL had a double cradle frame which was quite different than the CB/CL versions. The SL also had a detuned engine with smaller valves, If I remember right the CL/CB developed around 36 hp, and the detuned SL produced around 24hp. Those are the major differences but I think there were more that don't come to mind.

I, as a teenage dorkwad rode a stock 71 SL with stock gearing...16/42? on a 750 mile trip and my cruising speed was 47 mph. I was flipped off so many times I lost count so I decided to take secondary roads adding to the overall adventure. I wouldn't have missed it for anything...

I always loved the SL's and would pay just about any price for another one.

[angeldeville]

I have an SL175 on my to do list but unfortunately it is slated to be my last restoration project so far. still haven't ridden it...

I hate being a perfectionist, I can't just get a bike running and enjoy it, I have to restore it.

[flatblack]

I've got a '70 SL350K0 (electric start, Candy Gold) basket. Been collecting parts, including a spare engine, pipes, sidecovers, wheels, seat, etc. Only partially torn down...

I won't really be able to get to it until this winter, unfortunately. I have two other complete rebuilds (an SL125 and an RD400) ahead of it, plus the stuff I already have on the road.

Anything I can help with?

fb

[ElCheapo]

I have a K0 SL350 with a starter. Yes I know, its not supposed to have a starter. Numbers match and it does have a starter. BTW this bike is available for parts.

[bill440cars]

I have a K0 SL350 with a starter. Yes I know, its not supposed to have a starter. Numbers match and it does have a starter. BTW this bike is available for parts.

         Tom, The first year SL350 had an electric starter and, by the way, I've PM'D you.

                                                   Later on, Bill